NPC Round 10 Betting Tips – Canterbury to finally relinquish top spot in the NPC?

The final round of the NPC regular season is upon us, with the top places still incredibly tight. Read our latest tips and predictions for the biggest matches across round 10. 

Auckland have struggled this season, with their two defeats leading into this one seeing their hopes of securing a playoff spot brought to an end. With just two wins across their nine games, this is a season to forget for Auckland, and I predict the campaign will end with more of a whimper than a bang. 

Otago have been able to bide their time across the season, and they are within striking distance of leaders Canterbury. With 36 points, Otago are a point behind the leaders, meaning a win coupled with another loss for Canterbury would see the travelling side move to the summit. 

Few would begrudge Otago moving to the summit with four of their seven wins coming in their last four outings. Last season, Otago beat Auckland, and I back them to do the same this week as they keep their hopes of topping the standings alive. 

After failing to win either of their last two NPC matches, the pressure is well and truly on this Canterbury side as they head into the final match of the regular season. A loss to Otago (38-36) and a draw with Northland (19-19) means that they could slip down to second if results go against them. The worry for Canterbury is that their last home game saw them lose to Otago, while Taranaki have won three of their last four meetings. 

Taranaki arrive for their final regular season match on the back of two wins. Their 39-20 win over Wellington in their last outing was an impressive victory, and another triumph would send them into the playoffs on the back of seven wins in 10. I back them to stun their opponents this weekend.